Induced Menopause

Induced Menopause

“Induced menopause occurs when a medical treatment,
such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation,
removes or seriously damages both ovaries”.1

Umbrella

What may the Induced Menopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Chemically-Induced or Chemical Menopause
  • Early and Premature Menopause Due To Medical Treatment
  • Iatrogenic Menopause
  • Induced Menopause or Forced Menopause
  • Medical Menopause
  • Medically Induced Menopause
  • Surgical Menopause
  • Treatment-Induced Menopause

Terminology

What are some terms used to describe induced menopause?

DotS the definition of medically induced menopause may vary. In Medically Induced Menopause: Is Medically Induced Menopause the Same As Surgical Menopause? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:

“Medically induced menopause is a term used to describe menopause that doesn’t happen naturally.

Health professionals may use different terms to describe medically induced menopause. For example:

  • Medical menopause
  • Induced menopause
  • Forced menopause
  • Early or premature menopause due to medical treatment
  • Treatment-induced menopause – menopause caused by medicine
  • Chemically induced menopause – menopause caused by medicine
  • Surgical menopause – menopause caused by surgery
  • Iatrogenic menopause – menopause caused by medicine or surgery”.2

Induced Menopause

What is induced menopause?

DotS the definition of induced menopause may vary. In Premature Menopause: Induced Menopause the (United States) Menopause Society’s (formerly the North American Menopause Society) definition is:

“Induced menopause occurs when a medical treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, removes or seriously damages both ovaries. The reason for the medical treatment may affect whether hormone therapy will be recommended.

  • Surgery: When both ovaries are surgically removed, menopause results. Cancer is a common reason for this surgery. Removing both ovaries may be done to treat ovarian cancer or to help prevent breast and ovarian cancer in women who are considered to be at high risk
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a powerful drug therapy to treat various types of cancer. It may be used along with surgery, radiation therapy, or both
  • Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves to damage cancer cells and reduce their size or keep them from growing”.3

Medically Induced Menopause

What is medically induced menopause?

DotS the definition of medically induced menopause may vary. In Medically Induced Menopause: What Is Medically Induced Menopause? the JH’s definition is:

“This type of menopause happens because of surgery or treatment. It’s a direct result of certain medicines, treatments or an operation. For example, chemotherapy or surgery to remove the ovaries”.4

Cause

What causes induced menopause?

In Inherited Cancers Australia and Jean Hailes Join Forces To Ensure Women With Medically Induced Menopause Are Not Left Behind, published 17 October 2024, the author also notes:

“Medically induced menopause can be caused by:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy to the pelvic area
  • Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy)
  • Medical menopause where hormone production is shut down with medicine, such as Lupron or Zoladex”.5

Menopause Symptoms

What are menopause symptoms related to induced menopause?

In Inherited Cancers Australia and Jean Hailes Join Forces To Ensure Women With Medically Induced Menopause Are Not Left Behind the author explains:


“Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Women may also face increased long-term health risks, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease”.6

Challenging

What can be particularly challenging about medically induced menopause symptoms?

In Medically Induced Menopause: What To Expect With Medically Induced Menopause? Is Medically Induced Menopause Worse Than Natural Menopause? the JH elaborate on:

“Medically induced menopause can be worse than natural menopause for different reasons.

Symptoms can come on suddenly.

This can make the experience more intense and feel like more of a shock.

Some symptoms can be more severe.

After ovary removal, the sudden drop in oestrogen can make some symptoms more intense. This includes:

  • Reduced sex drive (libido)
  • Severe sleep problems

Women who experience menopause due to breast cancer treatment can have more severe symptoms. For example:

  • Dry vagina
  • Painful sex
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

They may also be more likely to experience depression and anxiety.

Emotional distress

Medically induced menopause can be distressing, especially if you’re coming to terms with an unexpected loss of fertility, or dealing with a diagnosis of cancer”.7

Fears and Concerns

For women with induced menopause, what may be some fears and concern?

In Premature Menopause: How Premature Menopause Affects Health the Menopause Society explain:

“For women with induced menopause, especially when it results from treatment for a serious illness, a number of other fears and concerns may compound the challenges of premature menopause. These include:

  • Pain and discomfort related to the disease or treatment
  • Anxiety over additional treatments
  • A sense of loss of control related to illness, treatments, hospitalizations, and adverse events
  • Confusion over lack of information or a feeling of information overload
  • Frustration over a lack of support
  • Reduced self-esteem because of changes from surgery
  • Embarrassment related to hair or skin changes caused by chemotherapy or radiation
  • Feelings of resentment or guilt
  • Apprehension about relationships, including sexual activity and intimacy
  • A feeling of uncertainty or hopelessness
  • Fear of not being cured or of death
  • Fear of the disease coming back (recurrence)”.8

Health Care Provider

What if I am considering treatment or surgery that may bring on menopause?

In How To Talk About Medically Induced Menopause: What To Ask Your Doctor About Medically Induced Menopause the JH include:

“When it comes to medicines and surgery, it’s important to make the right decision for you.

Asking the right questions and getting the information you need from your health care team is a key part of that.

You don’t need to ask all the questions below – use them as a guide and choose what matters most to you”.9

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Induced Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Induced Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. A Man’s Guide To Menopause
  2. ACOG Expands Recommendations for Management of Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  3. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  4. Induced Menopause Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  5. Cancer Diagnosis: 11 Tips for Coping
  6. Cancer and Crash Menopause
  7. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  8. Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
  9. Complementary Medicines and Therapies for Hot Flushes
  10. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  11. Daisynetwork.org.uk [Daisy Network]
  12. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Menopause In Cancer Survivors: Managing Complex Care
  13. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Menopause and Mental Health: Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Cognitive Changes
  14. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Sleep Disturbances In Menopause
  15. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms In Breast Cancer Endocrine Therapy
  16. Early Menopause
  17. Early Menopause – Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  18. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Finding Out About Medically-Induced Early Menopause
  19. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview
  20. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  21. Early or Premature Menopause
    Induced Menopause
  22. Earlymenopause.org.nz [New Zealand Early Menopause: NZ Early Menopause Support Group]
  23. Endometriosis Has No Boundaries
  24. Everything You Need To Know About Endometriosis | Dr Louise Newson
  25. Experiences of Medically Induced Menopause In Australia
    Induced Menopause
  26. FAQs: Hysterectomy
  27. FDA Grand Rounds: FDA Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) Labeling: Historical Context & Recent Changes
  28. ACOG Expands Recommendations for Management of Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  29. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  30. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  31. Finding the Right Hormone Treatments (HRT): Types, Doses and What Works
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  34. Handling Hot Flushes and Night Sweats| Dr Louise Newson
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  37. Hormone Therapy Safety [23 October 2026]
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  41. How Do You Know You’re In Menopause After A Hysterectomy?
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  43. How To Talk About Medically Induced Menopause
  44. How To Talk About Medically Induced Menopause: Questions About Surgery and Recovery
  45. How To Talk About Medically Induced Menopause: Questions for Treatment-Induced Menopause
  46. How To Talk About Medically Induced Menopause: Questions About Managing Menopausal Symptoms
  47. How Vaginal Hormones Can Transform the Health of Women
  48. Hysterectomy
  49. Hysterectomy
  50. IMS Webinar World Menopause Day – Chronic Pain At Midlife
  51. Induced Menopause In Women With Endometriosis
  52. Inheritedcancers.org. au [Inherited Cancers Australia]
  53. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  54. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  55. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
  56. Making Surgical Menopause Matter [6 Videos]
  57. Managing Menopause After Cancer
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  61. Menopause After Cancer Treatment
  62. Menopause Care After Breast Cancer | Dr Louise Newson
  63. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  64. Menopause Q&A With Expert Cancer Support Specialists [+ Videos]: How Can I Manage Treatment-Induced Menopause? [Video]
  65. Menopause Q&A With Expert Cancer Support Specialists [+ Videos]: What Is Cancer Induced Menopause? [Video]
  66. Menopause and Mental Health
  67. Menopause and Sleep
  68. Menopause, Hormones and Women’s Sexual Health With Dr. Rachel Rubin; Listen Again
  69. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  70. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  71. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  74. National Women’s Health Week 2026 [10 – 16 May]
  75. Navigating Menopause Care Resource Guide
    Induced Menopause
  76. Navigating Menopause: Sex, Relationships and Well-Being
  77. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  78. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: Lifestyle Medicine
  79. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  80. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations: Evidence-Based Management of Vasomotor Symptoms
  81. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise
  82. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Midlife Body Changes
  83. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations: Osteoporosis 2026
  84. Premature Menopause: Induced Menopause
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  86. Premature and Early Menopause: Managing Premature and Early
  87. Premature and Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature and Early Menopause
  88. Premature and Early Menopause: What Causes Premature and Early Menopause?
  89. Some Women Start Menopause After Surgery or Medical Treatment. Here’s How It’s Different
  90. Surgical Menopause: A Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals
  91. Surgical and Chemical Menopause | Dr Louise Newson
  92. The Menopause Society Show: Menopause & Cardiovascular Health
  93. The Menopause Society Show: Menopause & Sexual Desire [20 March 2026]
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  97. Women’s Health Week [7-11 September 2026, Australia]

  98. World Menopause Day 2025
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  100. World Menopause Day 2026: Resources – Factsheets – Chronic Pain At Midlife [Multiply Languages]
    Induced Menopause

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Premature Menopause: Induced Menopause. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/premature-menopause Accessed: 12 November 2026
  2. Medically Induced Menopause: Is Medically Induced Menopause the Same As Surgical Menopause? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/medically-induced-menopause/#section-is-medically-induced-menopause-the-same-as-surgical-menopause Accessed: 12 November 2026
  3. Premature Menopause: Induced Menopause. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/premature-menopause Accessed: 12 November 2026
  4. Medically Induced Menopause: What Is Medically Induced Menopause? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/medically-induced-menopause/#section-what-is-medically-induced-menopause Accessed: 12 November 2026
  5. Inherited Cancers Australia and Jean Hailes Join Forces To Ensure Women With Medically Induced Menopause Are Not Left Behind. 17 October 2024. Inherited Cancers Australia and Jean Hailes For Women’s Health  https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2024/10/inherited-cancers-australia-and-jean-hailes-join-forces-to-ensure-women-with-medically-induced-menopause-are-not-left-behind/72003/ Accessed: 12 November 2026
  6. Inherited Cancers Australia and Jean Hailes Join Forces To Ensure Women With Medically Induced Menopause Are Not Left Behind. 17 October 2024. Inherited Cancers Australia and Jean Hailes For Women’s Health  https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2024/10/inherited-cancers-australia-and-jean-hailes-join-forces-to-ensure-women-with-medically-induced-menopause-are-not-left-behind/72003/ Accessed: 12 November 2026
  7. Medically Induced Menopause: What To Expect With Medically Induced Menopause? Is Medically Induced Menopause Worse Than Natural Menopause? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/medically-induced-menopause/#section-what-to-expect-with-medically-induced-menopause Accessed: 12 November 2026
  8. Premature Menopause: Induced Menopause. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/premature-menopause Accessed: 12 November 2026
  9. Medically Induced Menopause: What To Ask Your Doctor About Induced Menopause. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/look-after-yourself/how-to-talk-to-your-doctor/how-to-talk-about-medically-induced-menopause/#section-questions-for-treatment-induced-menopause Accessed: 12 November 2026
Topic Last Updated: 12 November 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 12 November 2026

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